Book this tour
Small Group or Private Luxury Tour
Moscow – St. Petersburg
Moscow has the atmosphere of grandeur, power and mystery you could only expect from a capital of one of the most powerful countries in the world. Aside from its political importance, Moscow is also a cradle of culture and intriguing history with an abundance of important places to discover. Your visit will always remain as one of the most memorable things in your life..
St. Petersburg, the ‘Venice of the North’, with its numerous canals and more than 400 bridges, is the result of a vast urban project begun in 1703 under Peter the Great. Later known as Leningrad (in the former USSR), the city is closely associated with the October Revolution. Its architectural heritage reconciles the very different Baroque and pure neoclassical styles, as can be seen in the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace and the Hermitage.
Group Size and Services: Small Groups will have maximum 12 participants. Transportation is by private car and guide. Our Representative is at your service at all times.
Note: All travelers require a visa to enter Russia. When booking the tour please e-mail the details stated on the back page of the guests’ passport so that we can obtain a Letter of Invitation which will be required to support a visa application. It is advisable to begin the visa process as soon after booking as possible. It is the responsibility of the traveler to arrange his/her visa and to ensure that he/she has the correct visas to travel.
Itinerary
Day 1, Friday: Arrive Moscow
Upon arrival at the Moscow airport (flight not included in tour cost) you will be met by your English-speaking representative, welcomed to Russia and shown to your waiting car. You will then be privately transferred to your hotel, located in the center of Moscow, where you will be assisted with check-in procedures.
Your local representative is part of a unique network of one of over 75 on the ground representatives throughout Europe to ensure your vacation operates smoothly and to your absolute satisfaction. He/she is on the end of the phone for you should you have any queries and is there to assist you.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
You will be confirmed for two nights at the Baltschug Kempinski Hotel in superior level accommodation, inclusive of buffet breakfast. Please note that official check-in time is 3.00pm. If your arrival is before this time we will request early check-in on your behalf however this cannot be guaranteed.
Baltschug Kempinski Hotel
Day 2, Saturday: Moscow
Meet your private vehicle and English-speaking guide for a full-day (8 hours) overview tour of Moscow. From the embankment where your hotel is located you can get a great view of the whole Kremlin complex, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Cross the river for a tour of Red Square where you will see the walls of the Kremlin, GUM stores, Lenin’s Tomb and get up close to St. Basil’s itself. Continue your panoramic tour past the infamous former KGB headquarters and see classic Stalinist architecture such as the “Seven Sisters” skyscrapers. See other notable districts of the city such as the Arbat, Gorky Park and Sparrow Hill where you get great views of the Novodevichy Convent complex. After lunch at your leisure, enjoy a ride on the subway, built during the 1930’s and they are real art deco master-pieces and true underground palaces in their own right. Finally today visit the visit the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses the world’s best collection of Russian icons and an outstanding collection of pre-Revolutionary Russian art.
Baltschug Kempinski Hotel B
Day 3, Sunday: Moscow – St. Petersburg
Your guide and private vehicle will meet you today for a half-day tour to Moscow’s greatest collection of monuments, the Kremlin. Here you will visit the Assumption Cathedral and the State Armory Museum, which dates back to 1485. The State Armory is the oldest museum in Russia. As its name implies, it contains many ancient weapons and armor, but you will also find a treasure trove of crown jewels, golden crusted icons, bejeweled royal scepters and exquisitely carved thrones.
Later in the afternoon you will be transferred to the railway station for the 4.30pm departure for St. Petersburg where you will be shown to your pre-reserved seats in the first class carriage. Upon arrival at 10.00pm (times subject to change) you will be met from the train door where you will be transferred the short distance to your hotel and assisted with check-in procedures.
You will be confirmed for 4 nights at the Kempinski Moika 22 Hotel in superior level accommodation inclusive of buffet breakfast.
Kempinski Moika 22 B
Day 4, Monday: St. Petersburg
Your guide and private vehicle will meet you today for a half-day (4 hours) panoramic tour of St. Petersburg. The vast St. Isaacs Cathedral is just outside your hotel, you will then continue along the banks of the Neva River where your guide will point out the most important palaces that line it. You will cross the river to the small island that is home to the Peter & Paul Fortress, the oldest building in St. Petersburg and where Peter the Great founded the city. At the heart of the fortress at the Cathedral is the burial site of most of the pre-revolutionary leaders of Russia. You may also wish to see the prison where the pre-revolutionaries were held before being exiled to Siberia. Continue your overview of the city including the Church on Spilled Blood, Mikhailovsky Palace and Nevsky Prospekt before returning to your hotel.
Kempinski Moika 22 B
Day 5, Tuesday: St. Petersburg
This morning meet your English-speaking guide for a walking tour (4 hours) to one of the most famous museums in the world, the Hermitage. Originally commissioned by Catherine the Great as a winter palace, the museum now houses over two million exhibits. Some of the interior highlights include the Ambassador’s Staircase, the Throne Room and the Ballroom.
The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
Kempinski Moika 22 B
Day 6, Wednesday: St. Petersburg
Choose between two excursions (6 hours) today to either the Peterhof or Pushkin:
Travel to the Peterhof Palace, Peter the Great’s summer palace. The lavish décor of the buildings is rivalled only by its famous Grand Cascade of fountains.
Alternatively travel out to the Tsar’s village, also known as Pushkin. Dominating the village is Rastrelli’s blue and white Catherine Palace with its formal gardens. See the exquisite interiors, notably the ballroom and the newly restored Amber Room. See Pavlovsk Great Palace before returning to St. Petersburg.
Kempinski Moika 22 B
Day 7, Thursday: Depart St. Petersburg
You will be privately transferred to St. Petersburg Airport today with English-speaking assistance.
We hope you will be returning home with fond memories of your tour of Russia
Hotels
MOSCOW
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski 5*
With spectacular views of the historic centre of one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Hotel Baltschug Moscow is a peaceful and exquisite five star hotel. With some of the main sights in walking distance and many attractions only minutes away, it is an ideal place from which to explore Moscow. Behind its impressive classic façade which dates back to the late 19th century, the hotel hosts a luxuriously appointed interior with spacious public spaces as well as thoroughly equipped and tastefully decorated guest rooms. It has earned a membership with the “Leading Hotels of the World” due to its consistently high standards which makes it the best address for a luxurious stay in the Russian capital.
It is with the concept of the rooms being a place of sanctity, reflection and repose in mind that the finest European craftsmen have designed the 232 airy and comfortable luxury accommodations. All guestrooms are spacious with plenty of light and feature amenities including air-conditioning, satellite TV channels, two direct-dial satellite telephones with voice mail, in-house mobile phones, computer outlet and direct Internet access, personal safe, minibar, bathrobe and slippers. Their distinctly Russian design combines rich red fabrics with handcrafted wood which thus creates a relaxing atmosphere, soft to the touch and soothing to the mind. With the traditionally furnished rooms and the magnificent views of the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square, the hotel epitomizes Russian luxury.
With the two restaurants, two bars as well as Berlin-style Café Kranzler, famous for its homemade pastries, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski guests can go on a culinary voyage around the world with the wide range of delicacies on offer. While the Baltschug Restaurant serves delicious dishes of Russian and international cuisines complemented with exquisite wines and champagne, the Japanese restaurant Shogun has the finest Far East specialties on offer as well as Moscow’s best sushi.
The wonderful range of amenities designed to delight its guests, include the Baltschug Health Club with a heated pool and state-of-the-art gym as well as a wide range of relaxation facilities.
Room description
Superior Double (38–40sqm/ 409–430sqft): These air conditioned and beautifully appointed rooms feature a king size bed or, alternatively, two twin beds. Decorated in red and beige colors, the room is having unique views of the Kremlin, Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. They feature a spacious living-area that composes a king-size bed, a working desk, minibar with a great variety of soft and alcoholic drinks, snacks and souvenirs, a cozy marble bathroom with all the necessary bathroom amenities.
ST. PETERSBURG
Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 5*
Nestled on the embankment of Moika River just in the centre of what is referred to as the “Golden Triangle” – the historical and cultural heart of St. Petersburg – the Kempinski Moika 22 enjoys what must be the most impressive location of any hotel in town. Facing the Palace Square with the famous Hermitage as well as the Winter Palace, it is in close proximity to all major sites and the best shopping facilities in the city. The hotel’s original exterior, which dates back to the middle of the 19th century, has carefully been retained over all the years so that the hotel today boasts a breath-taking classic façade.
Decorated with fine antiques of this period, its interior blends this classic, historical elegance with modern amenities and the utmost of luxury.
This secluded jewel of the former Russian capital offers a range of luxurious accommodations in which rich marble is combined with antique furniture and modern conveniences. The understated luxury and style is in many rooms complemented by beautiful antique furniture as well as modern facilities that include full air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi access, telephone and satellite television. Guest can relax in the elegant sitting rooms and enjoy the modern state-of-the-art entertainment and communication facilities whilst gazing upon the splendours of Palace Square.
A further highlight of the Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 is marked by the appealing range of restaurants and bars it offers: From a scrumptious breakfast or fine dinner at Beau Rivage Restaurant, over a light snack at Bellevue Restaurant with the awe-inspiring views of Europe’s fourth largest city, to Von Witte Lounge with its two original marble fireplaces. Apart from this, an extensive selection of additional facilities including a fitness centre and pampering spa area will make sure guests enjoy the very best of luxury during their stay at this grand hotel.
Room description
Superior Double (26 sqm/280sqft): All rooms are decorated in a marine style, with a high level of appointments and service: goose-down pillows and duvets, bathrooms with a bathtub as well as heated floors; high-speed internet access and telephone line, interactive LCD TV; mini-bar and 24-hour room service.
Supplementary Charges
Baltschug Kempinski This hotel has different weekday and weekend rates. The above costs are based on the least expensive days of the week which are Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. For stays that overlap onto a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or a Thursday night then a net supplementary charge of and EUR 214 per room per night will apply all year around.
Train Upgrade
First Class rail has been included in the tour price in 2011. All train tickets become available to book 45 days prior to the train’s departure and being able to get seats in this carriage is not guaranteed.
Inclusions:
- Buffet breakfast
- Accommodation in Superior Room(s) at the Baltschug Kempsinki, Moscow
- Accommodation in Superior Room(s) at the Kempinski Moika 22, St. Petersburg
- Private transport where stated by Ford Mondeo (or similar) for 1-2 persons and Mercedes minivan (or similar) for 3-4 persons. Please note that the vehicle provided allows for two pieces of luggage per person. For additional luggage, larger vehicles can be provided for a supplementary cost
- First class train from Moscow to St. Petersburg
- English-speaking guides for all sightseeing
- Entrance fees to the St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow Metro, Tretyakov Gallery, Assumption Cathedral, State Armory Museum, Peter & Paul Fortress, Hermitage Museum and Peter’s Summer Palace or Catherine Palace
- The services of a local representative to meet the clients upon arrival in each city, telephone monitoring at each hotel and reconfirmation of all services in advance of the guests
- Welcome pack (one per room)
- All taxes
- 24 hour emergency contact service
Exclusions:
- Air travel and associated costs
- All meals EXCEPT breakfast
- Any visas and related costs
- Entrance fees not stated in the itinerary
- Porterage
- Gratuities
- All items of a personal nature (e.g. beverages, telephone calls, laundry, personal insurance)
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the “Inclusions” list above.
Group Discount: Up to $500 for groups 6 and more.
Private Tour: If the above dates do not suit your schedule, you may take this tour as a Private Tour. The tour must to start on any Friday from Moscow (this is due to weekend rates at Moscow hotel). As a private tour you can customize the itinerary and if you wish to start on a different date, we will be happy to quote you a price on request.
Land Price per person in double room: $4266.00 plus airfare
Land Price Single: $6985.00 plus airfare
Above Prices are Valid: 19 Jul 2011 – 9 May 2012 (other dates – please inquire)
Rates are based on arrival to Moscow on FRIDAY (please inquire about other options)
Suggested extensions: 3- day Golden Ring Tour from Moscow (Sergiev-Posad – Suzdal – Vladimir), 3 day tour to Helsinki and Tallinn.